Abstract

Introduction

Since data regarding new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in septic shock patients are
scarce, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and prognostic
impact of new-onset AF in this patient group.

Methods

We prospectively studied all patients with new-onset AF and all patients suffering
from septic shock in a non-cardiac surgical intensive care unit (ICU) during a 13
month period.

Results

During the study period, 687 patients were admitted to the ICU, of which 58 patients
were excluded from further analysis due to pre-existing chronic or intermittent AF.
In 49 out of the remaining 629 patients (7.8%) new-onset AF occurred and 50 out of
the 629 patients suffered from septic shock. 23 out of the 50 patients with septic
shock (46%) developed new-onset AF. There was a steady, significant increase in C-reactive
protein (CRP) levels before onset of AF in septic shock patients. ICU mortality in
septic shock patients with new-onset AF was 10/23 (44%) compared with 6/27 (22%) in
septic shock patients with maintained sinus rhythm (SR) (P = 0.14). During a 2-year follow-up there was a trend towards an increased mortality
in septic shock patients with new-onset AF, but the difference did not reach statistical
significance (P = 0.075). The median length of ICU stay among surviving patients was longer in patients
with new-onset AF compared to those with maintained SR (30 versus 17 days, P = 0.017). The success rate to restore SR was 86%. Failure to restore SR was associated
with increased ICU mortality (71.4% versus 21.4%, P = 0.015).

Conclusions

AF is a common complication in septic shock patients and is associated with an increased
length of ICU stay among surviving patients. The increase in CRP levels before onset
of AF may support the hypothesis that systemic inflammation is an important trigger
for AF.